English

Europa decentraal is the local and regional authorities’ premier knowledge centre for queries concerning European law and legislation.

Why Europa decentraal?

Knowledge on the correct application of European law and policy is increasingly important. However, it is often difficult for employees of municipalities, provinces and district water boards to find the right European information. All the more reason for the umbrella organisations of local and regional authorities and the central government to establish Europa decentraal, the European law and policy centre for local and regional authorities in the Netherlands.

Europa decentraal is unique among providers of European information because it specialises in issues relevant for local and regional authorities, providing information on European legislation and rules, case law, policy and the transposition into Dutch legislation.

What do we do?

Europa decentraal keeps local and regional government employees abreast of European issues, such as state aid, public procurement, the environment, employment and social policy, culture and education and the freedom of movement.

Europa decentraal provides information and advice, answers queries via its helpdesk and works to further expand the knowledge network. The website plays an important role in service provision, providing a daily source of European news. It also contains dossiers on a wide range of European subjects, giving the visitor easy access to the information he or she requires.

Europa decentraal organises events and meetings, distributes publications and a weekly newsletter (de Europese Ster), and promotes the exchange of best practices. Many employees of local and regional authorities use the free information and advice service every week.

How are we organised?

Europa decentraal is the place of choice for local and regional government employees to address their queries on European issues, where they are answered by experts. Europa decentraal can also fall back on an extensive network of partners from the world of science and government.

Europa decentraal also has a Practice Council. Made up of local and regional government employees, this Council informs Europa decentraal about the consequences of European legislation and regulation in day-to-day practice.

In addition, Europa decentraal maintains a variety of formal and informal contacts with ministries, representatives of local and regional authorities in Brussels and other organisations working in the field. In short, Europa decentraal is embedded in a network of expertise.

Contact

Europa decentraal’s primary focus is on the employees of Dutch local and regional authorities. However, we highly value the exchange of expertise and best practices with sister organisations abroad. Recently, for instance, Europa decentraal started to share news articles with the EU’s Committee of the Regions.

Furthermore, we are often asked by international counterparts to give a presentation on our products and services. Please click here to find an example.

Should you have any questions or would you like to get in touch please feel free to contact us via +31 (0)70 – 338 1090.

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